What we do

What we do

Project Starburst provides food and other related items to Mecosta and Osceola residents who are temporarily in need of assistance.

Monthly Grocery Program

We provide monthly groceries to residents of Mecosta and Osceola counties. Groceries are filled based on family size and dietary restrictions.

How it works

You will be asked to fill out a brief intake form, which helps our volunteer to determine any dietary restrictions or additional services.

Our volunteer will then package your groceries to assist in feeding your family.

Individual Case Management

We are primarily a food and hygiene needs pantry, but offer other services as well. We serve each individual with dignity, respect, advocacy, and support. We are always seeking to provide new concrete services and programs as needed.

Services we provide

  • Diapering items for qualified children
  • Birth Certificate and State ID assistance. Please call before coming in. No funding for this service at this time.
  • Referrals to local agencies (Mid Michigan Community Action Center, Michigan Works, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)

 

Making a difference since 1971.

A NEIGHBORLY RESOURCE

Providing our neighbors with food and basic needs.

LOCALLY FUNDED

All donations go directly to your local food bank.

COMMUNITY BASED

We believe in neighbors supporting neighbors.

How we have helped

From a small but diligent start, Project Starburst has increased its presence in the community by offering what is most needed to residents who are living in poverty.

356 New Clients

7,671 Individuals

2,177 Families Fed

383,500 Total Meals

Meet our board

Brenda Westfall

President

Steve Cole

Vice President

Alice Bandstra

Secretary

Felicia Bielecki

Treasurer

Joie Cole

Dee VanHorn

Russ Nehmer

David Scott

Meet our staff

Diane Long

Executive Director

Kristina Rousseau

Assistant Director

We would like to thank these businesses, foundations, and
organizations for the generosity they have shown.

Mecosta County Community Foundation
Osceola County Community Foundation
Shawn & Betty Walker Foundation
Grand West United Church
CROPWALK
TransCanada
Chemical Bank
Big Rapids GFWC
Big Rapids Rotary Club
Mecosta/Osceola United Way
Big Rapids LIONS CLUB
Meijer
Walmart
FSU Chapter of AWS
United Methodist Church
United Church of Big Rapids
Tri-County Homeworks

Good Shepard Lutheran Church
Reed City GFWC
Michael Oil & Propane
Fellowship Christian Reformed Church
FSU Business Office Employees
Northland United Methodist Church
Grant Center United Methodist Church
Chapel of St. Paul
Lerner, Cserani & Fath Financial Group
Consumers Energy Foundation
Lake Osceola State Bank
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Wolverine World Wide Factory B

MOISD Employees
BRPS

Third Avenue United Methodist Church
Big Rapids Oddfellows Lodge
H&S Companies
Qdoba
Tuba Bach
P.T. Plus
DTE Energy
Boy Scouts of America Troop 114
Miss Heart of Michigan Pageant
FSU Polar Bear Run
FSU Custodial and Maintenance Depts
FSU Student Government
Erick K. Perroud DDS PC
Leprino Foods
Little Red Hens

Great Lakes People Fund
Panera Bread
Bob Evans
KFC
Mecosta Children’s Council
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
USPS Stamp Out Hunger
Ice Mountain
District 10 Health Department
Meijer Simply Give Program
Isabella Bank
Camp Brethren Heights
Big Rapids Tire
Bush Insurance
Edward Jones – Steve Miller
Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Consumers Energy Foundation